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Tara Road

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Katherine Borowitz

Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
1,053

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
516

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
524

When two unhappy women switch homes for the summer, there are extraordinary consequences, and each learns that the other has a deep secret that can never be revealed. At the end of the summer, when the women at last meet face-to-face, they find that they have become, firmly and forever, good friends.

3 out of 5 stars

Material good - quality, not-so-much

By
B. W.
on
09-05-08

Circle of Friends

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Fionnula Flanagan

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins

Abridged

Overall

3 out of 5 stars
62

Performance

2.5 out of 5 stars
43

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
43

It began with Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, 2 inseparable young Irish women, growing up in the village of Knockglen. Benny, an only child, yearning to break free from her adoring parents and Eve, an orphan, abandoned to be raised by nuns, seemed an unlikely pair. Together, Eve and Benny knew the sins and secrets behind every villager's lace curtains...except their own. The pair becomes a circle when Benny and Eve leave for university in Dublin, and meet beautiful Nan Mahon and Jack Foley, a doctor's handsome son. But heartbreak and betrayal would bring the worlds of Knockglen and Dublin into explosive collision. Long-hidden lies would emerge to test the meaning of love and the strength of ties held within the fragile gold bands of a...Circle Of Friends.

1 out of 5 stars

don't waste your time

By
kathryn queen
on
10-12-10

The Copper Beech

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Fionnula Flanagan

Length: 3 hrs

Abridged

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
45

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
30

Story

4 out of 5 stars
29

Carved in the trunk of the mighty copper beech tree that embraces the schoolyard in Shancarrig are declarations of love, hope, and identity - the youthful dreams of the children who studied there. Now grown, yet shaped by their years in the schoolhouse, they lead different lives. The Copper Beech is about 8 of these dreamers. From Ryan's Hotel to Barna Woods, where the gypsies came each year, from Nellie Dunn's sweet shop to Father Gunn's church, the tenor of life in Shancarrig is outwardly placid and uneventful. Some, like Nessa Ryan, in search of passion, would say deadly dull. But behind the calm exterior, serenity fades into unexpected drama: Maddy Ross has a secret love; Eddie Barton, a surprising friendship; the Darcy's, the glamorous newcomers, find a curious partner in poor Maura Brennan. The Dunnes, Kelly's, Leo Murphy, and Dr. Jim's all have their own extraordinary stories to tell...brought to life by Maeve Binchy's sure touch.

5 out of 5 stars

SLOW

By
Brenda
on
08-26-16

Chestnut Street

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
208

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
176

Story

4 out of 5 stars
178

Maeve Binchy imagined a street in Dublin with many characters coming and going, and every once in a while she would write about one of these people. She would then put it in a drawer; “for the future,” she would say. The future is now. Across town from St. Jarlath’s Crescent, featured in Minding Frankie, is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities.

3 out of 5 stars

What Just Happened?

By
Bex
on
05-21-14

A Few of the Girls

Stories

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham,
Jayne Entwistle,
John Lee,
and others

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
55

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
47

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
47

A Few of the Girls is a glorious collection of the very best of her short story writing, stories that were written over the decades - some published in magazines, others for friends as gifts, many for charity benefits. The stories are all filled with the signature warmth and humor that have always been an essential part of Maeve's appeal.

4 out of 5 stars

Narrated with a lisp?

By
denise
on
05-05-16

Heart and Soul

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
270

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
152

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
151

With the insight, humor, and compassion we have come to expect from her, Maeve Binchy tells a story of family, friends, patients, and staff who are part of a heart clinic in a community caught between the old and the new Ireland.

1 out of 5 stars

Sorry Meave

By
Redbrenda
on
08-12-09

Tara Road

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Katherine Borowitz

Length: 17 hrs and 37 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
1,053

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
516

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
524

When two unhappy women switch homes for the summer, there are extraordinary consequences, and each learns that the other has a deep secret that can never be revealed. At the end of the summer, when the women at last meet face-to-face, they find that they have become, firmly and forever, good friends.

3 out of 5 stars

Material good - quality, not-so-much

By
B. W.
on
09-05-08

Circle of Friends

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Fionnula Flanagan

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins

Abridged

Overall

3 out of 5 stars
62

Performance

2.5 out of 5 stars
43

Story

3.5 out of 5 stars
43

It began with Benny Hogan and Eve Malone, 2 inseparable young Irish women, growing up in the village of Knockglen. Benny, an only child, yearning to break free from her adoring parents and Eve, an orphan, abandoned to be raised by nuns, seemed an unlikely pair. Together, Eve and Benny knew the sins and secrets behind every villager's lace curtains...except their own. The pair becomes a circle when Benny and Eve leave for university in Dublin, and meet beautiful Nan Mahon and Jack Foley, a doctor's handsome son. But heartbreak and betrayal would bring the worlds of Knockglen and Dublin into explosive collision. Long-hidden lies would emerge to test the meaning of love and the strength of ties held within the fragile gold bands of a...Circle Of Friends.

1 out of 5 stars

don't waste your time

By
kathryn queen
on
10-12-10

The Copper Beech

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Fionnula Flanagan

Length: 3 hrs

Abridged

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
45

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
30

Story

4 out of 5 stars
29

Carved in the trunk of the mighty copper beech tree that embraces the schoolyard in Shancarrig are declarations of love, hope, and identity - the youthful dreams of the children who studied there. Now grown, yet shaped by their years in the schoolhouse, they lead different lives. The Copper Beech is about 8 of these dreamers. From Ryan's Hotel to Barna Woods, where the gypsies came each year, from Nellie Dunn's sweet shop to Father Gunn's church, the tenor of life in Shancarrig is outwardly placid and uneventful. Some, like Nessa Ryan, in search of passion, would say deadly dull. But behind the calm exterior, serenity fades into unexpected drama: Maddy Ross has a secret love; Eddie Barton, a surprising friendship; the Darcy's, the glamorous newcomers, find a curious partner in poor Maura Brennan. The Dunnes, Kelly's, Leo Murphy, and Dr. Jim's all have their own extraordinary stories to tell...brought to life by Maeve Binchy's sure touch.

5 out of 5 stars

SLOW

By
Brenda
on
08-26-16

Chestnut Street

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
208

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
176

Story

4 out of 5 stars
178

Maeve Binchy imagined a street in Dublin with many characters coming and going, and every once in a while she would write about one of these people. She would then put it in a drawer; “for the future,” she would say. The future is now. Across town from St. Jarlath’s Crescent, featured in Minding Frankie, is Chestnut Street, where neighbors come and go. Behind their closed doors we encounter very different people with different life circumstances, occupations, and sensibilities.

3 out of 5 stars

What Just Happened?

By
Bex
on
05-21-14

A Few of the Girls

Stories

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham,
Jayne Entwistle,
John Lee,
and others

Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
55

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
47

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
47

A Few of the Girls is a glorious collection of the very best of her short story writing, stories that were written over the decades - some published in magazines, others for friends as gifts, many for charity benefits. The stories are all filled with the signature warmth and humor that have always been an essential part of Maeve's appeal.

4 out of 5 stars

Narrated with a lisp?

By
denise
on
05-05-16

Heart and Soul

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
270

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
152

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
151

With the insight, humor, and compassion we have come to expect from her, Maeve Binchy tells a story of family, friends, patients, and staff who are part of a heart clinic in a community caught between the old and the new Ireland.

1 out of 5 stars

Sorry Meave

By
Redbrenda
on
08-12-09

Minding Frankie

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Sile Bermingham

Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
605

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
385

Story

4 out of 5 stars
377

When Noel learns that his terminally ill former flame is pregnant with his child, he agrees to take guardianship of the baby girl once she's born. But as a single father battling demons of his own, Noel can't do it alone.

5 out of 5 stars

Top Notch Binchy

By
Carolyn
on
03-06-11

Evening Class

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Kate Binchy

Length: 6 hrs

Abridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
132

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
62

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
61

The Mountainview School in working-class Dublin boasts a brightly festooned room brimming with paper flowers and Renaissance posters. There, in an evening class, "An Introduction to Italian," come Aiden Dunne, the supervisor, Signora, the
professoressa, and 30 or so students, whose hopes and dreams are bound up in the Tuesday and Thursday lessons.

5 out of 5 stars

Binchy's Best!

By
Janet
on
12-28-03

Scarlet Feather

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Barbara Caruso

Length: 20 hrs and 12 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
435

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
369

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
373

New York Times best-selling author Maeve Binchy has a way of making everyday experiences extraordinary.
Scarlet Feather introduces budding entrepreneurs Cathy and Tom who, along with their extended families, meet the trials and rewards of life head on.
Scarlet Feather is a new catering company formed by two friends from cooking school, Cathy Scarlet and Tom Feather. Their dream is to have the best business in Dublin.

4 out of 5 stars

Another Hit on My List

By
JPisme
on
08-25-11

A Week in Winter

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Rosalyn Landor

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
977

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
834

Story

4 out of 5 stars
836

Stoneybridge is a small town on the west coast of Ireland where all the families know one another. When Chicky Starr decides to take an old, decaying mansion set high on the cliffs overlooking the windswept Atlantic Ocean and turn it into a restful place for a holiday by the sea, everyone thinks she is crazy. Helped by Rigger (a bad boy turned good who is handy around the house) and Orla, her niece (a whiz at business), Chicky is finally ready to welcome the first guests to Stone House’s big warm kitchen, log fires, and understated elegant bedrooms.

5 out of 5 stars

Didn't want it to end.....

By
Vicki Unger
on
02-26-13

The Homecoming and Other Stories

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Kate Binchy,
Sean Campion,
Joanna Myers,
and others

Length: 57 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
92

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
58

Story

4 out of 5 stars
56

In 'Homecoming', read by Sean Campion, the Brennans run Quentin's restaurant in Dublin for the owner, who lives abroad. But what will happen when he suddenly pays a visit? 'Telling Stories', read by Joanna Myers, sees Irene's fiancé turning up the night before the wedding with a face as white as the dress that is to be worn the next day. Then trouble starts....

5 out of 5 stars

Really enjoyed it.

By
Kindle Customer
on
09-22-15

The Shell Seekers

By:
Rosamunde Pilcher

Narrated by:
Hayley Atwell

Length: 19 hrs and 26 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
281

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
263

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
266

At the end of a long and useful life, Penelope Keeling's prized possession is
The Shell Seekers, painted by her father and symbolizing her unconventional life, from bohemian childhood to wartime romance. When her grown children learn their grandfather's work is now worth a fortune, each has an idea as to what Penelope should do. But as she recalls the passions, tragedies, and secrets of her life, she knows there is only one answer...and it lies in her heart.

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful story & writing

By
Haveenoughstuff
on
12-20-17

Nights of the Rain and Stars

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Terry Donnelly

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
148

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
75

Story

4 out of 5 stars
74

In a small Greek island village, a group of travelers from around the world and the local residents they encounter are brought together in unexpected ways when sudden tragedy strikes. In her inimitable style, Maeve Binchy shares with readers the lives of these strangers, learning their hopes, dreams, and fears as they move forward, forever changed by their experience.

5 out of 5 stars

I did not want it to end!

By
Susan
on
01-03-05

Whitethorn Woods

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
various

Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
220

Performance

4 out of 5 stars
103

Story

4 out of 5 stars
105

When a new highway threatens to bypass the town of Rossmore and cut through Whitethorn Woods, everyone has a passionate opinion about whether the town will benefit or suffer. But young Father Flynn is most concerned with the fate of St. Ann's Well, which is set at the edge of the woods and slated for destruction. People have been coming to St. Ann's for generations to share their dreams and fears, and speak their prayers.

3 out of 5 stars

Not up to par for Binchy

By
Claire
on
07-20-07

Maeve's Times

In Her Own Words

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Kate Binchy

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
58

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
50

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
50

From the royal wedding to boring airplane companions, Samuel Beckett to Margaret Thatcher, "senior moments" to life as a waitress, Maeve's Times gives us wonderful insight into a changing Ireland as it celebrates the work of one of our best-loved writers in all its diversity - revealing her characteristic directness, laugh-out-loud humor, and unswerving gaze into the true heart of a matter.

5 out of 5 stars

A glimpse into the writer's memory.....

By
Karen Voyles
on
05-04-16

The Return Journey

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Fionnula Flanagan

Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins

Unabridged

Overall

3.5 out of 5 stars
49

Performance

3 out of 5 stars
21

Story

4 out of 5 stars
21

A secretary's silent passion for her boss meets the acid test on a business trip...A man and a woman's mutual disdain at first sight shows how deceptive appearances can be...An insecure wife clings to the illusion of order, only to discover chaos at the hands of a house sitter who opens the wrong doors...A pair of star-crossed travelers take each other's bags, and then learn that when you unlock a stranger's suitcase, you enter a stranger's life.

1 out of 5 stars

Poor audio quality

By
Connie
on
07-17-11

Light a Penny Candle

By:
Maeve Binchy

Narrated by:
Kate Binchy

Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins

Abridged

Overall

4 out of 5 stars
42

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
28

Story

4 out of 5 stars
27

World War II had begun, and London was being bombed. Most parents were sending their children to live with relatives in the countryside for safety's sake. But shy, delicate Elizabeth didn't have anyone nearby. Instead, she would have to go far away, to Ireland, to stay with an old classmate of her mother's - whom Elizabeth hadn't even met. Accustomed to a life of unspoken rules and quiet discipline, Elizabeth wasn't prepared for the large, boisterous O'Connor family.

4 out of 5 stars

Good Adaptation, poor sound quality

By
Micheline Golden
on
01-22-06

It Started With Paris

By:
Cathy Kelly

Narrated by:
Olivia Caffrey

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Unabridged

Overall

4.5 out of 5 stars
12

Performance

4.5 out of 5 stars
11

Story

4.5 out of 5 stars
11

It all started with Paris. At the top of the Eiffel Tower, a young man proposes to his girlfriend. In that second everything changes - not just for the happy couple but for the family and friends awaiting their return in Ireland.

Publisher's Summary

"Firefly Summer is warm, humorous, sad and happy. Reading it is a joy." (Irish Independent )

In the summer of 1962, an American millionaire arrives in a small, sleepy Irish town with far-reaching consequences.

For the children of the Ryan family, the long hot summers are usually spent playing in the ruins of a large, abandoned house. But when the American, Patrick O'Neill, buys the ruins, dreams are made and broken and secrets which should never be revealed are betrayed.

Firefly Summer tells interlocking stories of love lost and won during four fateful years in the life of a close-knit Irish community.

Critic Reviews

"Totally engrossing.... Unforgettable.... An absolutely grand story.... A lyrical and compelling family drama.... Mountfern and its residents come vibrantly alive." (The Plain Dealer) "The secrets hidden behind lace curtains, a young girl's first kiss, children's summer games, unexpected pregnancies, sudden deaths. She makes us feel as if we also know the place and the people.... One of those good, old-fashioned stories that are as comfortable and comforting as home itself." (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Inviting

Maeve Binchy pulled me right in from the opening paragraph. I couldn't help but feel that the characters were my own neighbours and friends. It was a delightful story and one which I would highly recommend.

Kate Binchy Is A Natural

Firefly Summer is one of those books that just takes me away. I am a huge Maeve Binchy Fan because I always feel like I am one of the gang. Kate Binchy's narration is nothing short of wonderful. I felt like closing my eyes and riding the wave.

Okay but not memorable

A good solid 'read' with well developed characters that transported me into a time of enormous change around the world. I did look forward to turning it on, but then when it was all done, I didn't regret that there was no more.

Annoying

I found the narrator's voice very annoying. Especially when she talks in the childs voice. I actually turned the story off as I couldn't understand half of what she was saying. Personally I felt this download was a waste of money and I should read the book instead.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

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Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Elaine Calderwood

11-04-07

Firefly Summer - A Must Read

What a great book a must read for Maeve Binchy fans. I loved the story and I loved the narrator as Kate Binchy narrates in the lovely Irish lilt which adds to the sheer enjoyment.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Mec

12-01-13

Vintage Maeve Binchy

Would you consider the audio edition of Firefly Summer to be better than the print version?

I think the audio edition is a perfect way to enjoy this book which has many characters and spans four years.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character in the book is Mrs Ryan who is a hard working republicans wife with four young children. As the story develops she has to deal with and overcome many problems.

What about Kate Binchy’s performance did you like?

Kate Binchy's narration is excellent. She has a broad Irish accent but is very easy to follow. She develops each individual character well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a long book so took me a while to finish but I always looked forward to getting back to it.

Any additional comments?

If you are a Maeve Binchy fan you won't be dissapointed, and if you have not read her books before give this one a try.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Fae Howard

09-01-15

fabulous Maeve Binchy at her best

Would you listen to Firefly Summer again? Why?

Yes it's a great story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Firefly Summer?

Some of the more shocking twists and turns .

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Too many to have favourites

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes...And I limited myself because I didn't want it to end

Any additional comments?

Can't praise it enough . A good down to earth story fabulous characters real life at its best. . Nothing smaltzy or predictable .

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Sarah

04-10-11

Good but disappointing ending

I really enjoyed this book but was surprised when it ended, I actually rewound it to check there wasn't something wrong and it'd skipped to the end! It just finishes when you expect there to be more. So apart from that I would recommend.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

CantVal

09-08-13

Wonderful Mother & Daughter tour de force

Is there anyone left who has not fallen under the spell of the inimitable Maeve Binchy? I have, of course, already read everything she wrote but the added dimension brought to the stories by the narration of Kate Binchy raises them to perfection. The humanity and gentle humour of the writing is brought into sharp focus by Kate and from the moment that you step through the door into the world of Mountfern you will be drawn into the lives of all the characters coping with potential disruption to their way of life by the purchase of the ruined 'great' house by and American business man trying to get back to what he fondly imagines are his roots. The loves and losses, triumphs and disasters that follow and the creation of characters about whom you really care are the hall marks of this wonderful novelist whose books were once described as sitting down for a good gossip with a friend.

If you have not encountered her before you have a real treat ahead of you, if like me you have read the books then I would suggest that you will also find that the narration breathes a triumphant new life through the story for you.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Overall

3 out of 5 stars

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

Story

3 out of 5 stars

Priscilla

08-17-13

A fun listen about life in a small Irish town

It's a lovely book to end a busy day with. I listen to it before I go to sleep. The story is easy to follow, the narrator's voice is pleasant and it's realistic enough not to be too sugary. It does take a while to get into, but if you stick to it, you'll be rewarded.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Anne

02-20-11

A great listen

I loved listening to this audio book, it was well read with lots of feeling.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

N. Fail

11-14-15

Outstanding narrator

I've read Maeve Binchys books over the years and enjoyed everyone. Listening to this one has been a pure joy! Kate's read of the book put so much into it, her feeling and voices gave the story another dynamic, it was like listening to family life. Will certainly be listening to the rest!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Ms

07-31-13

Heartwarming

If you could sum up Firefly Summer in three words, what would they be?

EmotionalEnjoyableEntertaining

What was one of the most memorable moments of Firefly Summer?

When the leading character Kate was injurred

Did Kate Binchy do a good job differentiating each of the characters? How?

To begin with I couldn't warm to her voice at all because she sounded too old and querulous but after a while I became used to it and the way she portrayed the mischievous child was great

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Maggie Parker

04-12-13

Another winner

Well what a great book, I stumbled across Maeve Binchy a while back but this one is the best so far I loved the story and I loved the narrator's lovely Irish lilt Kate Binchy just adds to the enjoyment, close your eyes and your there. Wonderful!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sort by:

Overall

5 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

5 out of 5 stars

Lynn Turton

08-15-17

Pure joy

Fantastic and cleverly written with amazing dialogue and beautiful humour. Brilliantly narrated. Loved it all.

Overall

4 out of 5 stars

Performance

5 out of 5 stars

Story

4 out of 5 stars

Anonymous User

07-07-17

Enjoyable

i found this book enjoyable despite the fact it didn't seem to have a real hook or edge to it, it was just a story that you wanted to keep listening to. The narrator was marvelous.